Caring Atmosphere Helps Chinese Native Gets Most from Campus Life

Realizing Her Dreams: Rose-Hulman has provided Chinese native Ruoyun “Keri” Li with skills to become a mechanical engineer. (Photo by Chris Minnick)

Rose-Hulman is gaining an international reputation, with increased student enrollment from throughout the globe.

Ruoyun “Keri” Li found her way to campus from China, where her interest in engineering was encouraged at a prep school in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in the eastern regions of the Asian country. She learned English while studying at a bilingual middle school—where English and Mandarin were taught—and continued to excel in the second language throughout high school.

Her plans for college turned to the United States and Rose-Hulman, in particular, because of the institute’s top ranking for undergraduate engineering, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual survey of American college presidents and engineering academic deans.

Leaving her home and country behind wasn’t easy, but Li knew Rose-Hulman was the right choice. A global scholarship helped make the decision affordable. The junior mechanical engineering student hasn’t been disappointed with her decision.

“I have been very impressed that Rose-Hulman cherishes its students,” she says. “The administration is always seeking student opinions about campus life, new facilities, and what new academic courses to offer.”

Rose-Hulman’s welcome mat was also extended by faculty and staff members, helping make a smooth transition between cultures and learning styles. “I feel truly fortunate to have all the great Rose-Hulman professors. They are the key factor to the high quality education,” she states.

Later, she adds, “Although I always got good grades in English classes in high school, it was still quite challenging to take all the college classes in 100-percent English,” she recalls. “In my freshman year, I got a lot of help from my professors and friends. I quickly adjusted to the living and studying environments, and started to enjoy my college life.”

Li helped a team win a freshman year Lego-based robotics competition, has become a leader in the campus’ Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers chapter and other student organizations, and even competed on the varsity rifle team this winter.

“Being an engineer has always been my dream, and I made the right choice coming to Rose-Hulman,” she says. “I appreciate the opportunities that the college has afforded me. It has stimulated my fullest potential as a college student.”